Metric units are used to measure length, mass and capacity. The metric system is based on multiples of ten, which makes converting between units straightforward and consistent.

 

 

Metric Units for Length

Length measures how long something is.

 

The standard metric units for length are:

• millimetre (mm)
• centimetre (cm)
• metre (m)
• kilometre (km)

 

The relationships between these units are:

• 10 millimetres make 1 centimetre
• 100 centimetres make 1 metre
• 1000 metres make 1 kilometre

 

Smaller units are used for short distances and larger units for longer distances.

 

 

Metric Units for Mass

Mass measures how heavy something is.

 

The standard metric units for mass are:

• gram (g)
• kilogram (kg)

 

The relationship between these units is:

• 1000 grams make 1 kilogram

 

Grams are used for lighter objects, while kilograms are used for heavier objects.

 

 

Metric Units for Capacity

Capacity measures how much liquid a container can hold.

 

The standard metric units for capacity are:

• millilitre (ml)
• litre (l)

 

The relationship between these units is:

• 1000 millilitres make 1 litre

 

Millilitres are used for small amounts of liquid and litres for larger amounts.

 

 

Links Between Metric Units

In the metric system, units increase or decrease by factors of ten or one thousand.

 

This means converting between units usually involves:
• multiplying
• dividing
• or moving digits

 

Because the system is consistent, the same conversion ideas apply to length, mass and capacity.

 

The metric system is designed to make measurement and conversion simple

 

 

Using Metric Units Correctly

When using metric units, always:
• choose the unit that fits the size of the quantity
• convert carefully between units
• include the correct unit in the final answer

 

For example, a bottle of water is measured in litres, while medicine is measured in millilitres.

 

 

Key Points to Remember

Metric units are used for length, mass and capacity.
Length units include millimetres, centimetres, metres and kilometres.
Mass is measured in grams and kilograms.
Capacity is measured in millilitres and litres.
Metric units are related by multiples of ten or one thousand.

 

Understanding metric units and how they relate to each other allows measurements to be used and converted accurately in everyday and mathematical situations.